I requested (and received) an ARC of this from NetGalley because the cover and title were just too cute to pass up. And honestly? I think the book delivered exactly what it promised: cuteness. I give it 3.5 stars, rounded up.

The food descriptions were great and felt so natural throughout the story. I was literally getting hungry while reading, which is always a good sign!! Although not great that I've wanted to eat nothing but pastry for the last 48 hours. 😅

I really connected with Arleta's anxiety, especially considering she's navigating this incredibly magical world without any powers of her own. The market scenes in particular did a great job showing how the world treats people without magic, and were a nice little peek into her day-to-day.

My biggest issue was with the relationships. The romance felt kind of underdeveloped and the ending came across like an afterthought. Also, when there's an "only one bed" trope I expect allllllll the tension. And unrelated to the romance but still in the 'relationship' category..... that whole thing with the rosemary near the end? (Keeping it vague to avoid spoilers, but iykyk). It just felt like it came out of nowhere and I wasn't fully convinced by her choice.

That said, it was a quick, light read with the same cozy vibe I get from watching GBBO. If you're looking for something sweet and easy, this might be up your alley.

A fun cozy read. I wish there had been a little more plot development. Things moved along quickly and sometimes and I wanted more details,but overall it was an enjoyable read. The romance didn't feel fully developed, but it was sweet and not at all spicy.

This is the kind of cozy fantasy that carries you away from word one. It’s a beautiful reminder of the power of found family, the importance of chasing your dreams, and the need to stay open to life’s surprises. This is a book I’ll be recommending widely. It’s a warm hug and a sweet nudge to let new people and love into our lives.

This book it’s too cute! Perfect cozy read that makes you want to cuddle up on your couch with a warm drink and a blanket. There’s magic, there is romance, there are the cutest side characters. Definitely a great read for fall.

A lighthearted, wholesome cozy fantasy with no stakes, some adorable side characters, found family, animal companions, lots of baking, and a dash of sweet romance. Perfect for Ghibli fans and readers who enjoyed Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst.

The writing is very good, and let me tell you - if you pick the book up, do it in a café with some baked goods on hand because damn do I crave some cake! Some parts I really liked - Jez (one of the side characters), the baking, Nimbus the horse, Arleta's (MC) relationship with the two fatherly orc husbands. And I was very pleasantly surprised by how the baking contest ended!

My main gripe was with Arleta herself and the whole romance aspect. I couldn't get a read on Arleta. Her main characteristic seemed to be stubbornness. Pig-headedness, actually, sometimes to the point of stupidity. She was also very self-conscious and anxious, constantly wavering between "Oh I could actually win this!" and "Oh no I don't belong here I don't even deserve to win!" and I was slowly getting annoyed. That, unfortunately, carried onto the romance part.

Theo the elf was kind, patient, generous, oblivious to his own beauty... He was literally perfect. And I found him a bit boring, but after the hot-and-cold emotional rollercoaster Arleta put him through, I wanted him to turn around and find himself some hot man-elf instead.

There was this entire conflict of "I'm infatuated with him but I simply can't be with him!" that was based entirely on Arleta's wrong assumption - which can work if the author makes the assuming character and their reasons sympathetic enough to the reader. That didn't happen, I'm afraid, but that's entirely subjective to me. I don't have much patience for this kind of behavior, not now. I have to completely adore the character to tolerate nonsensical self-sabotage and whining.

Not to say, the romance was insta with fated mates. One of my least favorite tropes ever, unfortunately.

Nevertheless, I would love to see this story animated!

Cute, Magical and Delicious! All words I would use to describe A Fellowship of Bakers and Magic.

Arleta is a human with a gift for baking. Being without magic means she is treated as lesser within her community and when the opportunity to enter a highly acclaimed baking competition arises she brushes the idea aside as a frivolous dream. However, her Orc neighbour who knows what talent she has, secretly submits an entry on her behalf and Arleta is thrown into the world of competitive baking. All while trying to keep her magicless identity hidden.

This book was utterly adorable! I enjoyed the found family aspects both in regards to the friends Arleta makes at the competition and the Orcs next door who look out for her and have become her somewhat adoptive parents over the years.

I wasn’t convinced by the romance to begin with. I felt it was moving too fast. Fortunately, this turned around. Arleta didn’t jump into anything and it ended up being more of a slow burn which I appreciated, although her constant flip-flopping was arguably annoying at times. Theo the MMC is an adorable cinnamon-roll (needed to put a baking pun in here somewhere). The fact that he has a talking Lynx as a… pet? roommate?... Is a huge point for him. Not to mention he can talk to animals and plants, sign me up!

The treats Arleta creates literally had my mouth watering while I was reading. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so ravenous while reading. I am forever thankful that some smart cookie (baking joke #2) had the genius idea to include recipes at the end. My tummy will be forever grateful.

** I received a complimentary copy of this book from Poisoned Pen Press via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I absolutely adored this book! I finished it in less than a day before even realising it. It was such a cozy, funny, and sweet story and I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it.

Arleta is a human that loves to bake, but due to having no magic the people of Adenashire don’t appreciate her culinary skills as much as they should. Those without magic are generally discriminated against and treated as lesser than those who do have magic.
One day, she receives an invite to a prestigious Elven baking competition. There’s no rule against humans entering, but she knows that participating whilst being magicless is likely to work against her and she’ll have to work twice as hard to prove herself compared to anyone else in the competition.

This was such a lovely story of self-discovery, beating the odds, the sweetest romance, found family and wonderful friendships.

The writing was so bubbly and easy to read and it was such a joy to read something that was more lighthearted and the stakes were high but not totally world ending!

Arleta was such a sweet and loveable character, she expresses a lot of self-doubt, but thanks to the help of her friends and family she begins to believe in herself and her baking abilities and it was wonderful to see her surrounded by people that would constantly uplift her and validate her feelings.

Doli and Jez were such lovely characters and they had such life and vibrancy to them. They’re a real sunshine/grumpy combo, but I really think it worked well and their interactions with each other and other people were so fun to read!

The romance was very soft and flowery and I couldn’t stop smiling any time Theo and Arleta would talk. Theo believes in Arleta and supports her endlessly, he’s constantly encouraging her and reassuring her of her skill and pushing her the never give up and keep chasing her dreams. He respects her boundaries and Arleta often refers to him as a complete gentleman and its so true!

My only complaint is I wish there was more magic! Arleta is the only one in the competition that bakes without magic, but we never really see any of the other contestants use their magic on their creations. I really would have loved to see the magic element be incorprated with the baking, I think that could have been so much fun!

The coziest, cutest read ever. This combined all of my loves. Baking, competition, reading, fantasy….this was an awesome little love story and I am very excited to read the other standalones in this series.

If you're a fan of cozy fantasy with a side of delicious baked goods, A Fellowship of Bakers and Magic is the perfect treat. Set in the charming town of Adenashire, this novel blends fantasy and culinary delights as Arleta Starstone, a human baker without magic, competes in the prestigious Langheim Baking Battle. With the help of an endearing orc neighbor and a swoon-worthy woodland elf, Arleta embarks on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and perhaps even a touch of romance.

What I loved most about this book was its warm, inviting atmosphere. The stakes remain relatively low—centered around a baking competition rather than an epic battle—which makes for a relaxing and delightful read if that's what you're looking for. The fantasy elements, including a diverse cast of elves, dwarves, and orcs, add charm without overwhelming the story. While the magic itself is subtle and sometimes barely noticeable, some may get frustrated with the lack of magic used, especially during the competition, but I didn't care.

The side characters truly shine in this novel. Each one brings something special to the table, making the world feel rich and lived-in. Theo, the woodland elf love interest, was an absolute highlight—gentle, sweet, and effortlessly charming. (Though, I admit, I originally pictured him as an imp before realizing he was the romantic lead! Oops.)

Arleta, on the other hand, was a bit of a mixed experience for me. While I appreciated her growth throughout the story, I found her personality frustrating at times. Her indecisiveness and emotional whiplash made it difficult to connect with her.

Now let's talk baking—the food descriptions in this book are chef’s kiss 😘👌. J. Penner has a knack for describing pastries in a way that makes your mouth water. The inclusion of recipes at the end of the book was a fantastic touch, and I fully intend to try them out.

Overall, A Fellowship of Bakers and Magic is a heartwarming, cozy read that will appeal to fans of The Great British Baking Show and low-stakes fantasy. While Arleta’s character didn’t fully resonate with me, she grew on me, and the delightful side characters, slow-burn romance, and scrumptious baking descriptions more than made up for it.

✨ Rating: 4/5 stars ✨

Would I read a sequel? Absolutely. But only if I have a plate of scones ready.

This was my first cozy low stakes fantasy so I wasn't sure what to expect but I don't think they are for me. I was very bored since it was so predictable and nothing really happened. All the relationships were tell and don't show and they were suddenly bffs or in love with barely a conversation. The writing felt like it was middle grade with the most obvious lessons like winning is the friends we made along the way etc. I didn't really care about any of them by the end and just wanted it to be over.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Arleta is human, but her baking is magical because she knows how to add just the right flavors to each bake. Arleta find that being human is not easy when you are surrounded by magical creatures and considered less than any of them. When her ogre neighbors enter her in the baking contest, she is hesitant at first. The elf who delivered the invitation to her escorts her to the contest town. If she wins the contest, she could open her own bakery!
This is such a fun cozy fantasy story. Arleta becomes close friends with magical creatures she meets at the contest, finds love, and learns what others have always known…that while she is not magical, her baking is.
Thanks to Poison Pen Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

Loved this book it’s like a bake off mixed with cozy magic , it was such a fun and warm read , I just wish the main character had just something a little extra , I would definitely recommend this as a read though

Author J. Penner has written a wonderful fantasy combining baking, romance and a journey. A lonely young woman travels with an elf escort to participate in a baking contest. On the way, our travelers meet all kinds of whimsical and magical characters; and everyone seeks to help our insecure baker get to the contest. Penner creates a believable world and populates it with enchanting creatures. There’s much to enjoy about this book, the first in a series, and it is suitable for a YA audience. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

- cosy fantasy
- romance subplot
- human x elf
- bake-off
- slow-paced

It is no surprise that pulling off a cosy fantasy is no easy feat - while you want to keep the stakes low and the story light, you need that perfect balance between pacing and character development.

A Fellowship of Bakers and Magic has a great premise, unique characters, and a cosy bake-off that reminds me of all the cooking shows I watched growing up — there's not a lot you can do wrong with a bake-off! (Except, maybe, start it almost close to the middle of the book.)

While the descriptions of the baked treats are mouth-watering, and the side characters are oh so endearing, I'd personally have enjoyed more magical baked treats? We see a myriad of fantasy races, elves, dwarfs, and the like, however, the bake-off could have been even more whimsical if we were to see more magic involved in the competition. (Yes, our main character is a human, still, there could be some sort of magic incorporated in the setting, if not in the challenges themselves?)

And speaking of the main character, the side characters felt more charismatic than her to me which made some of the slower parts more annoying than cosy.

The setting though, is remarkably cottagecore, and I would love to spend a week in Adenashire and sample those fun markets. This one is a cute and cosy fairytale-like respite from your "oh-no-the-world-is-ending" books, however, if you need a lot to be happening on the page to keep you going, I'd give this a pass. ALSO, I AM A SIMPLE BEING AND THAT IS A CUTE COVER.

(I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review)

I loved, loved, loved A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic. This book is a fantasy romance version of The Great British Baking Challenge (and I love this cooking show) and romance very nicely blended. The story revolves around Arleta, a non-magical person in a world where everyone tends to have some magical property. Arleta however, is a magical baker, and with the help of her 2 neighbors, she becomes a contestant on the very famous Langheim Baking Battle. The invitation to participate is brought to her by Theodmon, a very handsome elf.
You can guess that there is an immediate attraction between them but not one that is immediately acknowledged or acted upon. The story follows the individuals to the battle and Arleta’s adventures within same. There are new friends to be made, new recipes to try and it’s a warm and lovely romance between them. Yet it also focuses on Arleta’s need to resolve her past and to build her confidence in herself. The descriptions of both the characters and the locations within the story are vivid, fun and even when they’re of a family of magical beings, they’re relatable to any human family, just in a different form.
I truly enjoyed this story and the characters created. I hope there is another story from this author for me to enjoy in the future.

Arleta es una talentosa panadera humana en el encantado mundo de Adenashire, donde los elfos y enanos dominan el arte de la repostería mágica. Cuando su vecino orco, su mayor fan, la inscribe en el prestigioso concurso de repostería Langheim Baking Battle, Arleta se enfrenta a un dilema: solo las criaturas mágicas pueden participar, y ella no tiene magia. Sin embargo, debido a su apellido, que pertenece a una familia de magos, la confunden con una hechicera.

Necesita el dinero y la fama que le traería ganar, por lo que decide fingir ser mágica y participar en la competencia. Durante su aventura de deliciosas recetas y desafíos, Arleta no solo tendrá que enfrentarse a la competencia, sino también a sus propios miedos y dudas sobre sí misma. En el camino, conocerá a un atractivo elfo que podría ser su alma gemela, pero surgen preguntas sobre cómo funcionaría una relación entre una humana sin magia y un ser mágico.

A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic by J. Penner offers a unique blend of magic, baking, and light fantasy, but unfortunately, it doesn’t quite reach its full potential. The premise is intriguing—a magical world where baking is intertwined with magical powers—and the setting of Adenashire is enchanting in its own right. The idea of magical bakers competing in a high-stakes Elven Baking Battle, where both baking skills and magical abilities are tested, is undeniably creative and gives the book an interesting foundation.

The protagonist, Arleta Starstone, is a relatable and sympathetic character. She’s a young woman with a strong sense of duty and a passion for baking, and watching her grow as both a baker and a person was enjoyable. Arleta’s interactions with the various members of her fellowship—each with their own magical talents—create a sense of camaraderie that feels warm and genuine. The relationships she forms throughout the book, particularly the bond with her mentor, are heartening, and there’s a sense of loyalty and teamwork that resonates.

However, while Arleta’s personal growth is well-handled, the romance in the story falls a bit flat. Theo, the love interest, has potential but lacks depth. Their relationship feels rushed, and the chemistry between them never fully materializes in a way that made me emotionally invested in their connection. Theo’s character seems more like a plot device than a fully fleshed-out person, and their romance, while sweet, doesn't add much to the overall story. This left me feeling that the romantic subplot didn’t elevate the book in the way it could have.

Another area where the book doesn’t quite hit the mark is in its exploration of some of the more serious themes it touches on, such as discrimination and prejudice. While these are important themes that could have been explored in more depth, the book addresses them in a rather surface-level way. There’s potential to delve deeper into the societal structures and inequalities within the world of Adenashire, but instead, the story keeps things relatively light, perhaps to maintain its cozy tone. This choice might appeal to readers looking for a more relaxed read, but it left me wanting more complexity and nuance.

On a positive note, the magical elements, particularly the way magic is incorporated into baking, are fun and inventive. The descriptions of the magical recipes and their outcomes are whimsical and make the world feel rich and immersive, even if the rules of magic aren’t always fully explained. The author does a good job of blending the fantastical with the everyday, creating a world where the magical is just as natural as the flour and sugar used in the bakery.

In terms of pacing, the book is solid. It moves along at a steady clip, with enough twists and challenges to keep the reader engaged. However, the ending felt a little too neat and tidy for my taste, especially considering the potential for a more dramatic conclusion or a deeper exploration of the stakes involved.

Overall, A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic is a fun, lighthearted read with a lot of charm, but it doesn’t fully capitalize on the intriguing premise. The world-building is enjoyable, the main character is likable, and the magical baking concept is fun. Unfortunately, the lack of depth in the romance and the surface-level handling of more serious themes prevented it from being the standout story I hoped it would be. It’s a nice, cozy fantasy read for those who enjoy a sweet escape, but it doesn’t offer much more than that.

fun story. the protagonist was definitely nice, and the baking was fun, but the real charm of this book came in the friends, the LI, and all that. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to review! This novel is its cozy, with its charming atmospheric setting. The descriptions of enchanted kitchens and spell-infused ingredients were super fun. I did find the pacing to be a bit lacking, but I still enjoyed this story!!!

This book was very cute! I always love books about baking competitions, and I think that the fantasy setting gave this one a fun twist. I looked forward to seeing what Arleta would bake in each part of the competition, and I plan on trying to make some of the baked goods myself because they sounded so good.
My favorite part of the book was definitely the side characters. I felt as though most of the side characters felt more complex and fully developed than Arleta and Theo, and so I would have liked to see a little more complexity in the main characters as well. Despite that, I still enjoyed the story, and thought it was an overall solid read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy.